Top 10 Greatest Soul Groups and Artists of All Time

1. The Jackson 5

   

   The Jackson 5, also known as the Jackson Five and later as The Jacksons, is an American popular music group. The group was formed in 1963 under the name the Jackson Brothers. The founding members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, with Michael Jackson joining shortly afterward to complete the classic... read more

   The beautiful band! Made up of five brothers, each trying to do their best. But it seems that in this band, there was a genius, and that is Michael Jackson. This is the reason that this band must be number 1!

   Only black group to headline a stadium tour, most global record sales, and oh, by the way, they gave us Michael Jackson. Enough said.

   This is what I like to see, Michael and J5 at number 1... exactly where they should be! Keep voting, guys!

2. James Brown

   

   James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century popular music and dance, he's often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul." His energetic performances and innovative rhythms influenced... read more

   James Brown, hands down! Greatest live show artist of all time! Nobody could rock the Apollo Theatre like this man! When you played that place, you'd better come correct!

   James Brown is one of the few soul artists I listen to. Get him to number 1.

   Soul Brother No. 1 should be No. 1 on this list... if people were smart.

3. The Temptations

   

   The Temptations are an American vocal group notable for their success with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. They became one of the most successful acts in music history with hits like My Girl, Papa Was a Rollin' Stone, and Ain't Too Proud to Beg. The group is also known for its choreography... read more

   Hands down the greatest group of all time. Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, and Melvin Franklin were all capable lead singers. Unlike the Jackson 5, every member had a hit record with their voice as lead.

   Just My Imagination, My Girl, Since I Lost My Baby, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, I Can't Get Next to You, Cloud Nine, Get Ready, The Way You Do the Things You Do, Ain't Too Proud to Beg, I Wish It Would Rain, and many, many more. Perfect harmonies and could out-dance, out-sing, and out-dress any other group in sight!

   The Jackson Five were not in the same class as the Temptations as performers. They had Michael, which is true, but the Temptations had some of the best male singers ever to sing soul, pop, show tunes, top-40, American Tin Pan Alley, etc. They are and have been in a class by themselves. The first Motown group to be awarded a Grammy.

4. Marvin Gaye

   

   Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.. April 2, 1939 - April 1, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. He helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, initially as an in-house session musician and later as a solo artist with a series of hits, earning him the nicknames "Prince of Motown" and... read more

   Best ever singer, especially when 'pleading' such as in Distant Lover.

   He also perfected the technique of harmonizing with himself in three different voices, any of which are fantastic.

   Really?! Do I really need to share my opinion about Marvin Gaye? He's a genius! He was a damn great artist. It's a pity that he is in 3rd place. Shame on you voters.

5. Otis Redding

   

   Otis Ray Redding, Jr. was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, and talent scout. He is considered one of the greatest singers in the history of American popular music and a seminal figure in soul music. His posthumously released hit (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay became his most... read more

   A career cut too short. Just the few years of work that we do have to base our judgment blows everyone else away! His voice, with so much feeling, is so amazing that you almost forget the music that is playing behind it.

   Deep music. Soulful voice with unbarred emotion. A great artist. Superb songwriter. Relatable lyrics. If he hadn't died in that plane crash, he would definitely be one of the most popular artists ever.

   The maddest, grooving like hell, singing like a possessed god! He makes me want to shake my body, even though I know I shouldn't dance, out of respect for my fellow human beings.

6. Gladys Knight

   

   Gladys Maria Knight, known as the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and author. She is best known for her work with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips. She has won multiple Grammy Awards over the course of her career.

   Most of the songs out there from some of the greatest artists have been performed by Gladys Knight at some time or another. She has delivered throughout the years on stage and TV. At 70 years old, she's still showing us all she's got it and she's not going anywhere. She well earns the title, the Empress of Soul.

   I fell in love with her voice the first time I heard it.

7. Ray Charles

   

   Ray Charles Robinson, professionally known as Ray Charles, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He pioneered the genre of soul music during the 1950s by combining blues, jazz, and gospel styles. Charles won 17 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in... read more

   Clearly, this genius should be top ten on the list. He was basically the inventor of soul music and one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. He definitely should be at the very least in the top 3.

8. Sam Cooke

   

   Samuel Cooke, professionally known as Sam Cooke, was an American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Born on January 22, 1931, he became a pivotal figure in soul music and is often referred to as the King of Soul. He was known for his smooth vocals and his role in shaping the sound and influence of... read more

   There is a dance called American Smooth. If we invent a music genre called the same, Sam Cooke would be its emperor and he would reign supreme, as he already does in soul. Please let us vote him up this list to the top, where he truly belongs. He was the first African American to own his own recording business, a pioneer in the music industry. One of his greatest admirers was Muhammad Ali. Yes, even the champ had someone he looked up to, and Sam Cooke was one of them. They even recorded music together. Just check YouTube. Sam Cooke is the best there ever was!

   Sam Cooke pioneered the genre and was ultimately unmatched as one of the best and most iconic voices of all time. The perfect voice, perhaps somewhat lacking the passion at times of Otis, lent to the quality of just about any song.

9. Al Green

   

   Albert Leornes Greene, often known as The Reverend Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s. His most famous songs include Let's Stay Together and Tired of Being Alone. Green was inducted into the Rock and... read more

   Al Green is the man. He makes me want to boogie even when I'm asleep.

   A better singer than Marvin or Otis.

10. Earth, Wind & Fire

    

    Earth, Wind & Fire is an American band known for their blend of musical styles, including R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, Latin, and Afropop. They have received critical acclaim and commercial success throughout their career. The band is widely considered one of the most innovative and influential... read more

    Please, people, EWF is by far the greatest group black people have produced. Jackson 5 number one? Not hardly. EWF were master musicians who could play all styles of music, with complex arrangements and great songwriting. They were outstanding live and were the first black band to perform in large arenas. They have sold over 90 million records and are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

    Come on now, this is the greatest boogie/soul group of all time. Positive, uplifting music at its best. No one ever did it better than Maurice White. Music, lyrics, craftsmanship, style - they had it all. Top ten musical group of all time.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    The Montclairs

12. ?

    Boyz II Men

    

    Boyz II Men is an American R&B vocal group best known for their emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. The group achieved international success in the 1990s with hits like End of the Road, I'll Make Love to You, and One Sweet Day with Mariah Carey. As of 2025, the group continues to perform with... read more

The Contenders

13. Stevie Wonder

    

    Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a child prodigy and signed with Motown's Tamla label at age 11. Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and is known for hits like Superstition and... read more

    Countless albums appealing to generations, spanning decades, and continually redefining the genre while shaping modern chart music. An unrivaled musician with a voice that's unique and inspiring. Truly the greatest artist of all time!

14. Aretha Franklin

    

    Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister.... read more

    She is the one and only Queen of Soul.

15. Whitney Houston

    

    Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. She holds the Guinness World Record as the most awarded female artist of all time, with over 400 career awards as of 2006, and was named the most awarded female act in 2009.... read more

    She's the Greatest Voice of All Time. An idol for the next generations, no one will ever be like her! Her sound is so special that you will always recognize her! RIP, The Voice!

16. The Ojays

    Everlasting, mighty, soulful, and will be forever in our minds and memories. Music that will make you snap your fingers.

17. The Spinners

    As usual, the Spinners don't get the proper credit for their greatness!

18. The Four Tops

    

    Levi had the most soulful voice of all. He was able to sing like a saxophone at full blast. A great example of this is I Just Can't Walk Away.

    What a shame that virtually nobody at Top Tens knows the name Levi Stubbs.

19. Prince

    

    Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic musical style, flamboyant stage presence, and mastery of multiple instruments. Some of his most iconic songs include... read more

20. Ben E. King

    

    Benjamin Earl King (1938 to 2015), known as Ben E. King, was an American soul and R&B singer and record producer. He co-composed and sang the 1961 hit "Stand by Me," which reached the US Top 10 and has since become a classic. King continued performing and recording into the 21st century.

21. Isley Brothers

    

22. Sly & the Family Stone

    

    Sly and the Family Stone was an American band formed in San Francisco. Active from 1967 to 1983, the group was instrumental in the development of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic music. The band is known for hits like Everyday People and Dance to the Music.

    Musically, Sly and the Family Stone is the best (Curtis Mayfield is a close second). The band is very tight, and their music has intricacies not present in other soul acts at the time (except CM).

23. Barry White

    

    Barry Eugene Carter, better known by his stage name Barry White, was an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and composer. He was renowned for his deep bass-baritone voice and romantic image. White released numerous hit songs and albums, becoming one of the best-selling music artists... read more

    The "Maestro" of the Love Unlimited Orchestra should be higher on this list. His body of work is enormous! The true innovator of "baby-making music"!

24. Jackie Wilson

    

    Jack Leroy "Jackie" Wilson, Jr. was an American soul singer-songwriter and performer. A tenor with a four-octave vocal range, he was nicknamed "Mr. Excitement" for his dynamic stage presence.

    Wilson played a pivotal role in transforming rhythm and blues into soul music during the late 1950s and... read more

25. Teddy Pendergrass

    

    Theodore DeReese Pendergrass was an American singer, songwriter, and composer. He first rose to fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in the 1970s. He later launched a successful solo career beginning in the late 1970s and became one of the most prominent figures in R&B music.

    Nobody had more soul than Teddy P. The emotion in his voice was unparalleled. I think he was the most overlooked great singer of all time.

26. Curtis Mayfield

    

    Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. He was a key figure in soul music and helped shape politically conscious African-American music during the civil rights era. Mayfield rose to fame with the Impressions and later achieved solo success with influential... read more

27. Luther Vandross

    

    Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Throughout his career, Vandross was an in-demand background vocalist for several different artists. He later gained fame as a solo artist, releasing successful albums such as Never Too Much and winning eight Grammy Awards... read more